Sisters are doing it for themselves
What started as a blog to share ideas with fellow young academics turned into much more for three of Victoria University of Wellington's latest graduates.
Hollie Russell (Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Tarapuhi Bryers-Brown (Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga and Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) and Tayla Hancock met during their undergraduate studies at Victoria's School of Social and Cultural Studies, but it wasn't until they reached their Honours year that the relationship cemented into a firm friendship.
The catalyst was a blog the trio created, Anth Sisters, which has become a forum dedicated to anything and everything anthropology and student related, says Tarapuhi.
"We wanted a way in which we could use our anthropology skills in the public arena, as a way to address issues that we were really passionate about through a more academic lens but in a way that non-academics could understand."
Tayla says the blog has become an important hub. "It's a place to show what we've learnt, how we've grown and in turn that's led to us really supporting each other."
Although the term Anth Sisters started out as a funny nickname for each other, the support that they have given each other throughout their time at Victoria has been really important for all three.
"I don't think I would have done as well as I have without these two by my side", says Tayla.
Tarapuhi feels the same way. "These two really pulled me across the finish line."
All three believe that the philosophy behind the School of Social and Cultural Studies has empowered them. "There's something about that programme—it's a collaborative environment," says Hollie.
And it goes beyond the sisterhood. "We have our Anth Aunties—Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich, Dr Catherine Trundle and Dr Lorena Gibson. They have been three really strong role models. We felt like we were part of a family.
"They have been the best example of strong women and have highlighted the importance of having strong female friendships and female role models as well," says Tarapuhi.
While they are now going their separate ways—Tayla to Melbourne, Hollie to Auckland and Tarapuhi is staying in Wellington—they will maintain the blog and have plans to expand it.
"The way our friendship evolved was around the sharing of ideas, creating a nurturing environment for intellectual growth and that is what the blog it's about. I hope that it continues to be that for us—I think it will," says Tarapuhi.
Hollie, Tarapuhi and Tayla graduated this week from Victoria, all with a Master of Arts passed with Distinction.